Horse riding in Patagonia

My friend and I have an idea to explore southern Argentina and Patagonia by horse, camping and fishing on the way. We want to travel independently, buying horses there, to sell them on at the end of the expedition. Does anyone have any similar experience or advice on horse trading and independent travel?
Gavin Turbull

· I was brought up in Argentina and have been to Patagonia twice (well, to part of it since it is huge). It's hard to reply to your questions because it will depend on where you want to start your journey. I assume you are planning to ride on the Andes side of Patagonia. There are some areas that are much more populated than others. With regards to fishing, most of the places you will ride through are National Parks. This means that most species of fish in the lakes are protected. You can only legally fish trout, and not with live bait. Hence, it is really hard to catch any! But if you choose to ride in the area of El Bolson, Esquel, Bariloche and Villa la Angostura, you are likely to come across country shops where you'll be able to get supplies.

The best time of the year to do your trip is between November and March. Before or after that you risk extremely cold nights (and snow, from April to September). Why not check out gatomancha.com and ask if horses can be hired? I think it would be much simpler to do this than to buy them. Have a great time, Patagonia is awesome.John

· I've never been horse-riding but I am Argentinian and will be glad to give you a hand for your coming visit to Patagonia. Here are a few websites you may find interesting; the third one is specifically devoted to horse-riding: patagonia.com; patagonia-argentina.com; and quipiren.com.

Patagonia is a huge region and there are many interesting places. The west has forests and lakes (for example from San Martín de los Andes to El Calafate) while the east is mainly a treeless plain with some charming little valleys (like the one of the Chubut river, in which you'll find the descendants of Welsh settlers of the late 19th century). Then you have Tierra del Fuego in the far, far south. As you'll see, there is plenty to choose from.Patricio Cabrera